California driver's licenses renew every four to six years, depending on your age and when you were last issued one

Your California driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When that date approaches, you have two main paths: renew online through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, or visit a DMV office in person. Most people can renew online if their license is not suspended, revoked, or flagged for a medical review. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year renewal or $64 for an eight-year renewal.

You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, you are over 70, or the DMV has flagged your record for a medical reason. If any of those explore, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if your license is valid and not under medical review, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
  • Online renewal costs $39 for four years or $64 for eight years, and you pay by debit card or credit card at the time of renewal.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you are over 70, or the DMV has flagged your record, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • A new physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal, and you can drive legally while you wait.
  • You can start the renewal process up to 60 days before your license expires, which gives you time to fix any problems before the important date.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License or ID Card" from the homepage. You will need your current California driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few questions about your driving record and medical history.

Once you submit your renewal online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. The DMV then mails your new physical card to the address on file. You can legally drive using your old license until the new card arrives, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your record has a flag that requires an in-person visit. Common reasons include a medical review, a suspension or revocation, or an expired license that has been lapsed for too long. The system will tell you which DMV office to visit and what documents to bring.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

If you must renew in person, you will need to bring your current California driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are over 70, you will also need to pass a vision test. If the DMV flagged your record for a medical reason, bring any documents your doctor has completed, such as a medical evaluation form.

Visit the DMV website and use the appointment system to book a time slot at your nearest office. Walk-ins are accepted but waits can be long, especially during peak hours. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing something, the office will not process your renewal that day.

The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken and your vision tested (if required). You pay the renewal fee at the counter, and your new card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your old license until the new card arrives.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it online or in person using the same process as a valid license. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires taking a written test, a driving test, and a vision test, and it costs more than a renewal.

If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited by law enforcement. The penalty depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. It is cheaper and faster to renew before your license expires than to deal with a citation or explore for a new license later.

Renewing your license if you are over 70

Drivers over 70 must renew in person and pass a vision test at a DMV office. You cannot renew online, even if your license is valid and not flagged. You will need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you fail, the DMV will ask you to see an eye doctor and return with a medical form.

Some drivers over 70 may be required to renew more frequently than younger drivers—every two years instead of four to six years—depending on their medical history or the results of their vision test. The DMV will tell you the renewal period when you complete your renewal.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process. straightforward enter your new address when the system asks you to confirm your current address. Your new card will be mailed to the new address you provide.

If you need to change your name on your license—because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change—you cannot do this during a straightforward renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name at that time.

Costs and payment methods

A four-year renewal costs $39, and an eight-year renewal costs $64. You choose the length when you renew online or at the office. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you must pay by debit card or credit card.

Some people are not charged a renewal fee because they hold a Real ID compliant license or because they renewed recently. The DMV website will tell you the exact cost before you pay. If you are a veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount; ask at the DMV office or check the website for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. This usually means paying fines, completing a required program, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license.

What if I do not receive my new card after two weeks?

Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or through the website and provide your confirmation number. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. You can continue to drive on your old license while you wait for a replacement.

Do I need a Real ID compliant license to renew?

No. You can renew a standard California driver's license without upgrading to Real ID. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and proof of residency.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can start the renewal process up to 60 days before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new card will be mailed to you, and you can drive on your old license until it arrives.

What if I lost my license before renewal?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license at a DMV office. Bring your proof of residency, Social Security number, and current license number if you remember it. A replacement costs $38 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.